Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1887-07-13

said, with determination. we girls won
dered how she would manage II. But the
next morning after helping me prepare an
extra delicious breakfast, she went briskly
into Aunt Penniman's room. with clean
cambria wrapper over her arm.
"Come, aunt" she said, In bright voice.
'Im going to help you dress, and get you
downstairs TO breakfast. Your wrens arc
singing like wild In the bush by the dining
room window, and II is lovely day. The
roses have blossomed, too. Mercy How
forlorn and close this room isl You sha'n't
be kept here another day How surprised
the girls will be when you step into the
room as smart as everi"
And meanwhile she was helping the old
lady out Of bed and putting on her stock
ings and slippers. We girls were indeed
surprised when Aunt Penniman, clean and
smiling, made her appearance at the
breakfast-table, and from that time rhe was
as we'll as ever.
But now it was almost July. Were those
monthly installments and those dividends
never comingi
"Who manages your property for you,
Aunt Pennimanp asked boldly one even
ing.
"The Penniman boys. Tricky fellows,
those Pennimansl' she replied, keen,
alert look springing into her eyes.
"But l suppose they send you your funds
regularlyl"
"Oh! they always do some time or other.
have all need she answered, restlessly.
"What are their namesi" inquired Jean.
Robert and James," she said. "They
both had curly heads when they were little;
they were pretty boys!"
The next day q new bill came in from the
grocer, and the milkman told Jean he should
stop the milk at the end OF the week, IL not
paid. Aunt Penniman owed us now over
two hundred dollars. Jean told her as
delicately as she could how were situated,
and asked IL she might write to the Penni'
mans for her to hasten them a little.
81 guess l wouldn't to-day" said the old
lady, looking uneasy.
So Jean waited one more day, and then,
with no more words about it, wrote to
Robert Penniman. She explained to him
how we were placed, and the terms on which
we had taken Aunt Penniman to board.
She asked him to forward whatever sums
were due from her property, and also mon
toned her long illness and the Doctors bill.
This was on Wednesday, and we thought
we might expect reply on Friday.
Friday was rainy day, and Laura went
TO the post-office. ! remember how pretty
she looked as she started, with the hood OF
her gossamer pulled over her head, and
carrying the big umbrella which Jean had
just mended. After she had gone we set-
tied down to our different employments,
scarcely noticing at first when the storm
increased and the rain came in torrents.
II hope Laura will stop at some friends
house till the worst Of 1t is over" said
mother, glancing at the clock.
"She will, no doubt" replied; but even
as spoke, looking down the road saw two
figures struggling along under big UNI
brella. Could one Of them be Laurai They
came nearer and nearer, driven by the
wind and beaten by the sheets of rain.
saw the patch on the umbrella before
could see the faces under 1t, and ran to
open the front door. Up the steps they
came, laughing and undaunted, Laura and
a young man who was an entire stranger,
though he shook hands so cordially that he
seemed at once to become friend.
am James Penniman," he said, as he
shut the umbrella and came in. II have
come from Providence TO see Aunt Betty"
She heard his voice, and started up from
her chair to welcome him.
"Why, Jimmie Pennimanr' she OK
one in my lifel Have you come to take me
homel"
mot such rainy day as this, Aunt
Bettyl" he said, laughing.
1t appeared that he had como on the early
afternoon train, and had gone to the post
Office to inquire where Mrs Follett lived,
just as Laura came in to ask for letters.
SO, of course, she became his guide, and az
the wind had turned the umbrella twice
inside out on the way, it had been very
merry and exciting walk. He soon found
an opportunity to talk privately with Jean,
and to her dismay she learned that Aunt
Penniman had no property whatever, but
was entirely dependent on her husbands
relatives, with whom she had lived for
many years. She had been very extrava-
CANT during her married life, and that, to-
gether with some unfortunate speculations,
had swept everything away.
sand now she is just little astray here"
he said, tapping his forehead; but she is
a dear old lady, and we think a great deal
Of her. She never limited TO US what she
had agreed on with you, but said she
wanted to make you a long visit. OF course
we consider her our charge, and my brother
Robert wished me to say that he should be
glad to continue the arrangement ON the
same terms, as he intends to travel abroad
with his family, and bachelor like myself
can not well look after Aunt Betty"
SO it was quickly settled and Jean made
happy by check covering all expenses, in
GLIDING the doctors bill. We had Q de-
lightful evening with our guest, who staid
until ten, when he left to take the night
train. Aunt Penniman was 10th to have
him go, but he kissed her kindly and prom
Used to come to see her as often as he could.
That promise he has kept, so that the
neighbors have wondered openly whether
the handsome young stranger, who is so
frequently seen walking and driving with
Laura Follett is not something more than
a distant connection.
But Jean and do not wonder. We know,
by the stitches we are taking, and the cake
recipes we are studying, that the wedding
bells will soon ring for our sunny hearted
Laura; and, as IL that were not enough,
Jean and Harry will end their long waiting,
and be married on the same day.-Mary II.
b. Branch, IN ~ Y. Independent